Apparently, her blush had been pretty obvious and Niya took pity on her... at least someone did, there for a minute she thought she was going to roast. Anna, always the people watcher, noticed Niya's odd reaction to Serena when the other girl came over and wondered what it was about but didn't say anything. She wasn't going to make anyone feel awkward. She listened to their convo with curiosity.

When Gunner tugged her hair again for worrying about Sebastian she smiled some and then blinked, just as surprised as Gunner... Still, her heart warmed a little more towards the other girl. Anna was a hugely protective person and anyone who cared about one of her friends was alright in her book. "Seb's hard to handle even on his good days is what Gunner means. He tends to get himself into all sorts of trouble, you'll see what we mean if you end up with him. It's not that he's a burden, just that he likes to push limits..."

With both her friends properly defended she smiled at Serena, "Huh... usually he comes right out and says it. Still, I'm glad he's feeling a little better... He'll probably be back to his usual self by tomorrow."

She turned back to Gunner, "And of COURSE I'm excited to find out who my ward is... It's a chance to really prove ourselves. So long as I don't get Rae we're all good... I think I'd maim him before the end of the year came."

She glanced at the clock and felt jitters return, "Speaking of which dinner is almost over which means class will be next. I wonder if we'll find out our wards today or if Guardian Belikov is going to be checking us our for compatibility..."

~*~

Alex considered the question for a moment, "There are many reasons... I'm sure you have heard of my uncle, he used to mentor here. Both Dimitri Belikov, my uncle, and Rose Hathaway inspired me. My mother and my uncle were very close and she admired his strength... I looked up to both of them as a child and they helped to begin training me quite early..."

He shifted in his stance a bit to relieve the ache in his back, "Rose Hathaway's best friend and Ward is Lissa Dragomir, the queen... their relationship also inspired me... Perhaps that is why I refused to take an official ward. Their relationship, the way it worked, it taught me that the best Guardian's care for their wards like family... it drives them... I wanted a ward I could care for like that. I have not found one... beyond my students of course..."